Character Counts

December 24, 2008

Leonty Frazier

Age: 6

School: Poinciana Elementary, Boynton Beach

Grade: First

Hometown: Boynton Beach

Pillar: Respect

When Leonty was playing basketball and saw a boy pushed down and into a sticker bush, he took action because it simply was the right thing to do. He didn't think about any repercussions from his friends and wasn't concerned that he didn't even know the student. He helped the boy up, walked him back to the court, yelled for the ball and said, "stop the game; he gets a free shot for this; come on, come on, free shot," said teacher Vikki Bonick, who was observing the game played with students from her class and other first-graders.

Leonty is also quick to help others in the classroom and is very caring.

Teacher, Vikki Bonick: I found this a great display of character for someone his age to come up with this concept and help another child. I was so touched watching this scene and wished other students would do this.

He understands the feeling of not being able to complete activities because of struggles. I noticed during our center [work station activity time], Leonty daily helps other children understand what they should be doing at the work station or help students log on to the computer when they are having difficulty. It is nice to see him offering help with his strengths. He displayed loyalty, respect, fairness and was very caring. Not only is he trustworthy, kind and compassionate, but also he is caring toward other students and their feelings.

He shows many good citizenship skills. He takes care of our class by making it better, cleaner and safer. When Leonty finishes his work, he cleans up our classroom and makes sure that our supplies and materials are cleaned up and put back together. He obeys the rules and sets a good example for the other students. He is amazing to his peers and teachers on a daily basis.

Parents, Tineal Gomez and Rodnell Frazier: We're so proud he stood up for the student. We always teach him to be nice to others, but peer pressure is tough. He tries to be kind to others and tells them don't be so mean. He is very compassionate. He likes to help at a friend's house down the street. Sometimes he does things without me even asking. I am so proud of him!

Leonty: They pushed him hard [the student during basketball]. I helped him up. I wasn't afraid of the others. They didn't get mad. It was the right thing to do. He got a free shot because that's the way it should be. I didn't even know him.